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Five Lab Tests for Long-Term Female Hormone Stability
The following simple tests can be completed at home (with the exception of #350, which requires a small blood draw) and mailed. One of the country's most prestigious laboratories will process the samples, generating a report that can help identify even subclinical (non-symptom-producing) imbalances and dysfunction. Often, Dr. Bivins can correct imbalances with natural hormones, supplements, and guidance for diet and lifestyle modification. Call Dr. Bivins at (619) 223-7379 or complete the questionnaire to get started.
"Why should I do these five tests?
I just wanted my hormones balanced!"The adrenal glands control female hormones. In fact 36 - 38% of female hormones come from the adrenals. Long-term female hormone stability is rarely acheived without first identifying and removing or reducing the physiological stressors that drive and fatigue the adrenal glands.
Physiological stressors such as tissue damage, inflammation, pain, and blood sugar fluctuations enduce Cortisol production 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, exhausting the adrenals. Just as critical are stressors which don't produce obvious symptoms and can go unrecognized. Gluten/gliaden, lactose, and sucrose intolerance; delayed food hypersensitivity, pathogens, and other inflammatory conditions may interfere with digestion and absorption, hindering blood sugar regulation and the assimilation of essential nutrients--in turn stressing the adrenals.
By discovering and minimizing physiological as well as mental and emotional stressors, we support healthy adrenals and lay the foundation for long-term hormonal stability.
FHP5+ (Female Hormone Panel Five Plus)
- Metabolic Assessment Profile, #101
- Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus IV, #205
- Mucosal Barrier Function, #304
- Candida DNA & Antibodies, #350
- GI Pathogen Screen, #401
Metabolic Assessment Profile, #101
- Turnaround:
10 - 14 days
- Lipid peroxides, sulfate, indican
This profile is an effective screen for liver and gut problems, and is clinically indicated to assess oxidative stress, liver detoxification capacity, and digestive efficiency. It is recommended as an entry-level test and generally combined with profiles 201, 202, 203, 204, or 205.
Lipid Peroxides measure oxidative stress, which is not only implicated in all degenerative disease, but is also the number one cause of cardiovascular disease-the leading cause of death in the United States. Measurement of lipid peroxide levels plays a significant role in evaluating cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and determining an individual's specific need for antioxidant supplementation. Supplying correct antioxidant support is important because excessive levels can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, and inadequate levels can result in uncontrolled free radicals.
Sulfate measures a phase 2 liver detoxification pathway (conjugations, the liver's ability to neutralize toxic byproducts of the oxidation of free radicals.) Measuring sulfate helps determine an individual's specific nutritional needs for liver support.
Indican measures the efficiency of protein digestion and can identify if further investigation of digestive problems is needed. Inefficient digestion of protein is typically a result of one or more of the following: overgrowth of harmful bacteria that feed off protein before it can be digested; insufficient HCl and/or protease enzymes; hypermotility of the upper bowel; parasitic or fungal infection; and food reactions.
SUMMARY: This profile measures
oxidative stress, phase II liver detoxification, and protein digestion-critical
elements in an accurate assessment of the risk of degenerative illnesses,
including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Since a great many serious
health problems have their origins in the digestive system, determining
an individual's ability to digest and absorb nutrients is essential for
the early detection and/or avoidance of many potentially serious health
problems.
Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus IV, #205
- Turnaround: 5 - 8 days
- 4 Cortisol, 2 averaged DHEA-S, 1 Estradiol, 1 Testosterone (AM), 1 Melatonin (bedtime), 1 Progesterone (bedtime)
This profile is clinically indicated to evaluate an individual's ability to adapt to environmental, mental, emotional, and physiological stressors; to determine the efficacy of DHEA therapy; to assess rest and recovery relative to morning and bedtime Cortisol; and bedtime levels of Melatonin and Progesterone.
The Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus IV provides an adrenal rhythm and a DHEA-S -to-Cortisol ratio. Abnormal adrenal rhythm can negatively influence energy production; immune system health; skin regeneration; muscle and joint function; bone health; sleep quality; and liver, pancreas and thyroid function.
Adrenal dysfunction may be associated with the following symptoms: excessive fatigue; chronic stress and related health problems; dizziness upon standing; weakness; hypoglycemia; nervousness; irritability; depression; inability to concentrate; confusion; poor memory; low blood pressure; insomnia; premenstrual tension; sweet cravings; headaches; alcohol intolerance; excessive hunger; alternating diarrhea and constipation; stemocleidomastoid/trapezius pain and spasms; epigastric discomfort; poor resistance to infection; food and/or inhalant allergies; dyspepsia; tenderness in adrenal area; migraine headaches; low body temperature; and diminished sex drive.
Estradiol and Testosterone are included in this profile to further evaluate the efficacy of DHEA therapy. Since DHEA can convert to Estradiol and/or Testosterone, the use of DHEA may be contraindicated if Estradiol and/or Testosterone levels are elevated. Conversely, if Estradiol and/or Testosterone levels are depressed, DHEA and/or other therapeutic measures may be indicated. Bedtime Cortisol, Melatonin, and Progesterone levels are indicators for rest and recovery and are indicated for anyone with sleep disorders.
SUMMARY: Evaluating the Cortisol
circadian (24-hour) rhythm along with DHEA-S provides an accurate assessment
of adrenal function and can reveal maladaptation to stressors. Saliva
(free fraction) testing determines the bioactive level of these hormones
at the cellular level, thereby providing a functional assessment of the
effects of environmental and physiological stressors.
Mucosal Barrier Function, #304
- Turnaround:
6 - 9 days
- IgG, IgM, IgA to dietary proteins, yeasts, aerobic & anaerobic bacteria, secretary IgA
The Mucosal Barrier Function test uses saliva to assess the presence of IgG, IgM, & IgA to dietary proteins yeasts, and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria; also assessed is the level of secretary IgA. The dietary proteins are cow's milk, gliadin (gluten), soy, rice, and corn; the yeasts are Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis; the aerobic bacteria are Escherichia coli, E. enterococcus, and E. lactobacillus; the anaerobic bacteria are Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens.
This test provides a view of the intestinal mucosa as a barrier against some common food antigens and pathogens. Clinical conditions that may be assessed include intestinal mucosal immune dysfunction; systemic immune deficiency; autoimmunity; food allergy; "leaky gut"; malabsorption; abnormal ratio of aerobic-to-anaerobic bacteria; and pathogen overgrowth.
SUMMARY: The evaluation of the intestinal mucosa as a selective antigen filter can be regarded as an essential tool assessing health status. The BHD #304 can be used as an immunological indicator of overall intestinal mucosal integrity, as well as of gastrointestinal physiology. It is sufficiently comprehensive to be used either in initial screening or as a follow-up, and is especially helpful in chronic and complex cases having a variety of possible etiologies. The Mucosal Barrier Function test can assist in more quickly organizing diverse data in formulating a diagnosis, in directing further diagnostic tests, and in precisely tailoring therapeutic protocols.
Candida DNA & Antibodies, #350
- Turnaround: 10 - 14 days
- Candida
(PCR); Candida IgG, IgM, & IgA; Candida antigens, Candida immune
complexes.
This profile uses a single blood sample and is designed to differentiate the degree of Candida involvement.
Candida by PCR detects DNA of the Candida microorganism that, due to enhanced gut permeability, has entered the blood stream. PCR, (Polymerase Chain Reaction) represents one of the most significant advances in DNA-based technologies and is the most sensitive technique available for the detection of such infectious agents. Candida antibody testing, developed in 1988, detects the overgrowth of Candida in the digestive tract.
SUMMARY: PCR for the direct
detection of Candida DNA in the bloodstream, along with Candida antibodies
(IgG, IgM, IgA antigen and Immune Complex), differentiates the degree
of Candida involvement, thereby assisting to identify appropriate treatment
protocols. Especially helpful in diagnosing and treating patients who
have a history of chronic Candida problems.
GI (Gastro-Intestinal) Pathogen Screen, #401
- Turnaround: 8 - 11 days
- Ova & parasites x 4 plus antigens to Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamo histolytica, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, occult blood, Clostridium difficile colitis toxins A & B.
This profile tests for bowel tissue infections that may be responsible for compromised digestion, absorption, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, active and/or chronic illness and degenerative disease.
GI infections pose an increasing threat to the U.S. and all other countries. This problem is especially insididuous due to the fact that an absence of GI complaints and/or symptoms does not rule out the presence of these potentially life-threatening infectious organisms. This profile is therefore critical to a thorough GI health assessment and should be considered as an entry-level test for every new patient, along with the Foundational Health Program® (#101 & #201). The GI Pathogen Screen includes a patient education tap with each kit.
Ova & Parasites x 4, plus Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Entamoeba histolytica Stool Antigens: Detects the three general classifications of parasites that can inhabit humans. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a minimum of three stool specimens for highest detection efficiency. Mucosal rectal swabs are not recommended, as they provide inadequate specimens for accurate parasitology studies.
- Protozoa (single cell parasite): Amoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas hominis, Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis hominis, Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis, et al.
- Platyhelminthes (flat worms): flukes (liver, intestines, lungs and blood) and tapeworms (intestines).
- Nemathelminthes (round worms): Strongyloides, Trichuris, Trichinella, Pinworms, Ascaris, et al."
Important note: Antigen on stool is the best method of detection for Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium infections.
Bacterial Pathogens: Campylobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Toxic E. Coli, Vibrio, Yersinia, al.: This culture detects acute and/or chronic bacterial infections that should be ruled out as an underlying cause of health problems. When tests for bacterial infections are positive the lab automatically runs a culture and sensitivity.
Yeast & Fungus: This culture can detect all types of fungus and yeast overgrowth often associated with chronic health problems (i.e. Candida albicans, 8 other opportunistic Candida species, aspergillus) that a potentially pathogenic.
Occult Blood: When this test for occult blood is positive, it is commonly a sign of hemorrhoids, fissures and/or polyps, as well as less serious conditions. However, if positive, it may be an indication of potentially serious bowel problems, including cancer, and should be thoroughly investigated.
Clostridium Difficile: Colitis Toxins A & B. This is a common and potentially serious infection that can develop after antibiotic use. A common cause of irritable bowel and IBD/ulcerative colitis.
Please note: In response to the very serious problem presented by undetected GI infections, the State of California sends 5 previously tested fecal samples to labs 3 times per year. In order to maintain state accreditation, all labs must match the state's test results minimum 60% accuracy. Our Microbiology Department has for over 9 years achieved an extremely rare proficiency rating of 100%. Records are on file.
Balancing hormones can help to lower your risk for cancer and osteoporosis; decrease PMS, hot flushes, headaches and vaginal dryness. An imbalance is not a cause but rather an effect of maladaptation to stress--the source of which can be external, mental and emotional, or internal (i.e., food sensitivities, inflammation, parasites or a glandular dysfunction). Start on your journey to optimum health now. Call Dr. Bivins at (619) 223-7379 or complete the questionnaire to get started.
